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14 May 2019

ALBUM REVIEW: Death and Vanilla | Are You a Dreamer? Reviewed by Elizabeth Klisiewicz

Death
and Vanilla - Are You a Dreamer?
(Fire Records)

Reviewed
by Elizabeth Klisiewicz

I’ve long admired the vintage dream pop conjured
up by Malmo, Sweden’s talented trio, Death and Vanilla.
Marleen Nilsson, Magnus Bodin and Anders Hansson are ‘dreamers, antiquarians,
and music obsessed individuals’ whose music is redolent with mystery and
intrigue. The group has scored several soundtracks, a process which helped
influence the dreamlike euphoria offered up by added mellotron and electric
guitar. They expanded their sound with bass and drums and the resulting tunes
are longer, lusher, and more spellbinding.

‘A Flaw in the Iris’ is the opening single, and
has the hushed melancholy of previous endeavors, reminding one of Thievery
Corporation and Air. Marleen’s lovely voice seamlessly winds through the
musical tapestry that shrouds this tune. Cool and beautiful! “Let’s Never Leave
Here” is deceptively soothing. As you take in its calming melody, the lyric
makes your ears perk up: Come, and stay,
magic is here Inside, wanna dissolve in time, Looking through glass Divine,
let's never leave here. It’s the perfect lyrical analogy to the dreamy
escape of the accompanying music. There are jewel-like facets studding this
song, much like seeing the outrageous green shades of spring after the depressing
drab of winter.

“Mercier” is equally gorgeous and church-like,
emerging from a quiet, sacred place to immerse you in its dreamlike but
energetic swirls. The group has a firmer hold on strong melodies that stay with
you rather than slipping out of your grasp. It definitely has all the earmarks
of a follow-up single. Really terrific work! “Eye Bath” is trip hop at its
best, laced with a lysergic overlay. Marleen’s elegant, chilled out voice
meshes perfectly with the main melodic line. The strength and experience of
their soundtrack work is reflected here. I also like the slightly exotic
percussion floating in the backdrop. “The Hum” burbles along pleasantly, a
perfectly named song that easily captures a listener’s fancy. Marleen murmurs
behind her main vocals, and the effect is mesmerizing.

“Nothing is Real” is the real show piece on an
already amazing record. It captures all the strongest elements in Death and
Vanilla’s music: the dreamy, haunting essence that pervades a typical
listener’s experience, Marleen’s sultry vocals, pretty snatches of keyboard,
and the long ago feel evoked by the vintage instruments put into play.
Wonderful and stunning all around! “Vespertine” was an early favorite of mine,
awash with a childlike quality, infusing you in a sonic daydream you never want
to leave.

Finally, “Wallpaper Pattern” is a multihued
masterpiece, the miniature soundtrack to a movie not yet made. In summary,
Death and Vanilla have evolved into one of the strongest purveyors of vintage
dream pop and Kosmische that has graced my ears in the past decade. Are
You a Dreamer? Is absolutely essential listening for all lovers of
great dream pop.